India halts Indus water-sharing with Pakistan, closes border
The Indian government announced a series of strong retaliatory actions against Pakistan on Wednesday following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who cut short his state visit to Saudi Arabia, chaired an urgent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the country’s highest decision-making body on national security, and approved a series of strict actions.
The government stated that the attack had clear cross-border links and was aimed at destabilizing the region after successful elections and economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir.
5 key actions against Pakistan include:
Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty
The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty will be put on hold until Pakistan irrevocably stops supporting cross-border terrorism.
Closure of Attari border
The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari will be shut immediately.
Those who have crossed legally may return via Attari before May 1, 2025.
Ban on SAARC visa exemption for Pakistanis
Pakistanis will no longer be allowed to enter India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES).
Existing SVES visas stand cancelled; Pakistani nationals in India under this visa must leave within 48 hours.
Expulsion of Pakistani defence advisers
Pakistan’s military, naval, and air advisors in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave within a week.
India will withdraw its own defence advisers from Islamabad.
Five support staff from both high commissions will also be recalled.
Reduction in diplomatic staff
The strength of both high commissions will be cut from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.
Heightened Security & Further Steps
The CCS directed security forces to remain on high alert.
The Indian government vowed to relentlessly pursue terrorists and their conspirators, citing the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana as an example.
An all-party meeting has been scheduled for Thursday to discuss the situation.
The Pahalgam attack marks one of the deadliest strikes in recent years, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The Modi government’s decisive measures signal a hardline stance against terrorism and Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting militant activities in Kashmir.
